Introductory Modal Logic

by Kenneth Konyndyk

Modal logic, developed as an extension of classical propositional logic and first-order quantification theory, integrates the notions of possibility and necessity and necessary implication. Arguments whose understanding depends on some fundamental knowledge of modal logic have always been important in philosophy of religion, metaphysics, and epistemology. Moreover, modal logic has become increasingly important with the use of the concept of “possible worlds” in these areas. Introductory Modal Logic fills the need for a basic text on modal logic, accessible to students of elementary symbolic logic. Kenneth Konyndyk presents a natural deduction treatment of propositional modal logic and quantified modal logic, historical information about its development, and discussions of the philosophical issues raised by modal logic. Characterized by clear and concrete explanations, appropriate examples, and varied and challenging exercises, Introductory Modal Logic makes both modal logic and the possible-worlds metaphysics readily available to the introductory level student.

Genres: Philosophy, Logic

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1986

Reviews

[Matko · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent basic introductory textbook in modal logic. Should be read and absorbed before Hughes's and Cresswell's advanced and dense "An Introduction to Modal Logic".

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This being my first introduction to modal logic, I will not be the most accurate reviewer, I'm sure. Additionally, I can't compare this text to others on the subject.

Overall, the book was pretty accessible. But I felt that Konyndyk could have been more lucid at times. I normally do not struggle to understand texts, but I did at times with this book. Perhaps that's just the nature of modal logic for me.

My biggest beef, though, is that there are a number of errors throughout in the proofs/exercises. They are probably typos rather than actual proof errors. And perhaps the newer edition has fixed these errors (unfortunately, both editions have the same ISBN, so buying used from a place like Amazon does not guarantee which edition you'll receive).

Perhaps there are no better introductory texts for modal logic, but it certainly seems that this text can be improved upon.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in the 1980s, this is still one of the most accessible introductions to modal logic. The explanations of the deduction systems are lucid and understandable for the student who has taken one previous logic class. The discussion of semantic models and interperative controversies make this an ideal book for philosophy undergraduates just getting their feet wet in analytic metaphysics.